Tourists die in horror crash
A fatal accident on the N2 near Mtubatuba on Saturday evening claimed the lives of three people, including two American tourists.
THREE people, including two American tourists and an Induna, died in a horror accident on the N2 near Mtubatuba last night.
A Hyundai H1 vehicle carrying five tourists from Colorado in the USA collided head-on with a Hyundai panel van driven by Bhekinkosi Buthelezi – an Induna of Ezwelisha near St Lucia. Two tourists, namely Trudy Dietzen (54) and William Renewel (67) tragically died at the scene, as did Bhekinkosi Buthelezi (49).
The remaining three tourists, namely Bryce Tychsen (driver of their vehicle) and Mariann Adams (40) were transported to Life Empangeni Garden Clinic and Keith Dietzen (63) to Netcare The Bay Hospital in Richards Bay.
However, Bryce Tychsen was discharged earlier today.
Police confirmed that the tourists were travelling northbound while Bhekinkosi Buthelezi was travelling in the opposite direction.
The accident occurred on the tourists’ side of the N2 at about 6.30pm.
At this stage it is unclear where responsibility lies but police have opened a case of culpable homicide and investigations are underway.
R.I.P. Scott and Trudy… I love you both so so much and life is going to be rough without you… Please be my moms (mariann adams is the correct spelling) angels and hope her heal.
Such a tragic and senseless loss of two wonderful people who will be dearly missed by hundreds of family member s and friends! Mariann, Keith and Bryce, you are all in our constant thoughts prayers as you face this difficult time. Please let someone know if we can do something back here in Colorado.
All I can say is peace to all my friends that survived this horrible accident. Bryce, Mariann and Keith, our prayers are out for you. Anything that you need, we are there for you. We love you all and will see you soon.
We will sorely miss Trudy as she was truly sweet. Lets hope and pray Keith makes a physical recovery, what a loss he must feel.
Trudy was a gift to all who knew her, and I’ll miss her smile SO much. We’re praying for Keith’s recovery here at SMM.
Devastating news for us back home in Colorado. Cannot process the loss of Trudy, so full of life, tonight. God’s Grace and Healing Light surrounding Keith and those he is traveling with in S. Africa. Our prayers are surrounding and lifting you all. Lifting sweet Trudy up. God’s love. Our love. Peace be with you all.
I have lost my brother, farther and my friend in Bhekinkosi and I cannot epress the pain I am feeling and condolences to the Buthelezi family and the community of Zwelisha in at large , may God of glory comfort all of us in these difficult times
I have lost a brother ,friend and farther in Bhekinkosi and condolences to the Buthelezi’s and the whole community of Ezwenelisha ,
With a sorrowful heart, my prayers are with all my friends in this tragic situation.
My condolences to Molly, Eric, Amber and Heather, and hoping for a fast recovery for Marian.
I just can’t picture the world without Trudy in it any more. I didn’t know Scott well but I know his loss will be keenly felt as well. Mariann, Keith, and Bryce: speedy recoveries! You are in our thoughts.
Our hearts are broken. No words can express the great loss of such a wonderful woman. Trudy was a light to all who knew her. Our condolences to the family of Scott and Trudy and we will continue to pray for Mariann and Keith, as well as Bryce. God be with you…
KeyMark isn’t a company, it’s a family. Trudy and Scott were a very big part of that family. I am sad that I was unable to say goodbye or that I love you (Thanks Mark). God bless.
It is with a heavy heart that I reach out my prayers and love to the recovering families. If there is anything you need, please don not hesitate to call.
Chris D.
I am so sorry for the loss of your wife Keith. May God be with you. We will pray for all who passed away and those alive who are now suffering from their loss.
Our family is in shock at the loss of our sparkly cousin Trudy and we feel the deepest sympathy for Keith’s loss of the girl he loved since they were in high school. What a wonderful couple, children and grandchildren. We also ache for their siblings, particularly Trudy’s equally wonderful twin Teri.
My heart goes out to our friend Keith who lost his lovely wife and all others lost in this tragic accident. May God bless you and bring you home safe.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all those involved in this accident. Keith, best wishes for a speedy recovery. I’m so sorry about Trudy, she was a wonderful person. Best wishes to Mariann who is also in the hospital.
My heart is so sad.
Keith, prayers continue at SMM for you and your companions. Trudy’s death leaves us feeling quite empty. Healing prayers coming your way…
Keith, you are all in our prayers. I am so sorry and sad to hear of Trudy’s passing. Thinking about you and wishing you peace and strength in the months ahead. Xxoo
Keith you are in my thoughts and prayers. Words can not express the compassion I have for you and your family at this very difficult time. Trudy’s light will forever shine in my heart. I am blessed to have had her as friend.
Kisses Trud! Love you Leese!
Dear Dear Keith and family,
I am up near Traverse City Michigan, and I am reading on line of the accident which seems a world away from where I am.. This is the most tragic news I have heard, I am thinking of you and remembering Trudy as a loving , happy girl !! My dad always had a special feeling for her. As extended family Kim, and Bub, and I always felt her acceptance of us as family ! I too remember the shock I felt in losing T.R. and the thing that helped the most was to accept the love and support of all people that ever knew him. I hope you will do the same for Trudy . Love, Lee
Dearest Keith; your family in Virginia is holding you in light and love. We pray for your physical recovery so that you may begin to mourn the loss of your life’s love. There truly are no words that adequately express our shock and sadness. Our hearts are with you and all the cousins. Love, Janet, Sandy, Shannon and Family
Keith, Lou and I ( your former neighbors in Lake Valley) are very saddened to hear this news. We wish you a speedy recovery and wish you strength as you recover from the loss of Trudy. Best, Anita and Lou
The story of 3 people died on the N2 near Mtuba including the American tourists is very sensitive and painfully.